Electronic connector

ABSTRACT

An electronic connector includes a base, a tapered extension protruding from the base, and a nose forming a terminal end of the tapered extension. The tapered extension includes first and second connection faces tapering toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about a first symmetry plane. The tapered extension further includes first and second flank surfaces that form respective opposing sides of the tapered extension between the first and second connection faces. The first and second flank surfaces may taper toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about a second symmetry plane. The tapered extension further includes power and ground electrical contacts located along the first and second connection faces.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/272,361, filed on May 7, 2014, and titled “ELECTRONIC CONNECTOR,” theentire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices often include hardware interfaces in the form ofelectronic connectors for exchanging electrical power, a groundreference, and/or communication signals with external systems.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore,the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solveany or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a male electronicconnector includes a base and a tapered extension protruding from thebase. The tapered extension includes a nose that forms a terminal end ofthe tapered extension. A first connection face and a second connectionface of the tapered extension taper toward each other from the base tothe nose symmetrically about a first symmetry plane.

The tapered extension further includes a first flank surface and asecond flank surface that form respective opposing sides of the taperedextension between the first connection face and the second connectionface. The first flank surface and the second flank surface may alsotaper toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about asecond symmetry plane that is orthogonal to the first symmetry plane.

The tapered extension further includes power and ground electricalcontacts located along the first and second connection faces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an example male electronic connector having a firstconfiguration.

FIG. 2 depicts the example electronic connector of FIG. 1 as viewedalong the X-coordinate axis.

FIG. 3 depicts the example electronic connector of FIG. 1 as viewedalong the Z-coordinate axis.

FIG. 4 depicts the example electronic connector of FIG. 1 as viewedalong the Y-coordinate axis.

FIG. 5 depicts another example male electronic connector having a secondconfiguration.

FIG. 6 depicts the example electronic connector of FIG. 5 as viewedalong the X-coordinate axis.

FIG. 7 depicts the example electronic connector of FIG. 5 as viewedalong the Z-coordinate axis.

FIG. 8 depicts the example electronic connector of FIG. 5 as viewedalong the Y-coordinate axis.

FIG. 9 depicts an example female electronic connector having a thirdconfiguration compatible with both the male electronic connector ofFIGS. 1-4 and the male electronic connector of FIGS. 5-8.

FIG. 10 depicts a cutaway view of the example electronic connector ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 11 depicts an electronic connector pair interfacing with each otherto form one or more electrical connections.

FIG. 12 depicts another example electronic connector pair havinginclined connection surfaces.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are tables depicting example pin-outconfigurations for three different electronic connectors.

FIG. 14 depicts an example male electronic connector with anelectrically conductive fang.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Paired electronic connectors may include a male electronic connectorhaving a tapered extension that projects outward along a connectionaxis, and a corresponding female electronic connector having areceptacle that accommodates the tapered extension. The taperedextension may be self-aligning within the receptacle, thereby providingan improved user experience for establishing an electrical connectionbetween the paired electronic connectors. Tapered connection faces ofthe tapered extension may also serve to reduce connector depth along theconnection axis for a given type of connection as compared to parallelconnection faces, thereby reducing the size of the connector formfactor.

Magnetically attractable elements optionally may be incorporated intothe paired electronic connectors to further assist with the alignmentand connection of male and female electronic connectors.

When a taper is employed, the nose of the male electronic connector issmaller than an opening of the female electronic connector. This sizedifference creates a relatively large attachment tolerance that can makeit easier to insert the male electronic connector into the femaleelectronic connector. Furthermore, the magnetically attractable elementshelp the connection come together with very little effort. The taper andthe magnetic nature of the connection can provide a sensation of themale and female electronic connectors flying together.

The paired electronic connectors and associated electronic controlcircuitry may support two or more connection orientations, which mayfurther improve user experience for establishing an electricalconnection because the user may insert the male connector in a varietyof orientations without stopping to consider which orientation iscorrect.

An electronic connector optionally includes an electrical groundconductor body located within the electronic connector. The electricalground conductor body is electrically connected to two or moreelectrical ground contacts of the electrical connector. For example, theelectrical ground conductor body may be electrically connected to aplurality of electrical ground contacts distributed among othernon-ground contacts of the electronic connector. The electrical groundconductor body may serve to reduce impedance discontinuities acrossplural ground contacts, and/or improve signal integrity, enabling higherdata transfer rates. The electronic ground conductor body may be used incombination with a male electronic connector having a tapered extensionand/or a female electronic connector that accommodates a taperedextension of a male electronic connector. The ground conductor body maybe positioned on a plane of symmetry between opposing connection faces.

A female electronic connector may accommodate and interface with a rangeof differently configured male electronic connectors. As one example, afemale electronic connector accommodates and interfaces with each of afirst male electronic connector that exchanges electrical power with thefemale electronic connector, and a second male electronic connector thatexchanges electrical power and one or more additional or differentsignal paths with the female electronic connector as compared to thefirst male electronic connector. Alternatively or additionally, thefirst male electronic connector and the second male electronic connectormay have different shapes and/or sizes relative to each other.

FIGS. 1-4 depict an example electronic connector 100 having a firstconfiguration. Electronic connector 100 includes a base 110 and atapered extension 112 that protrudes from base 110 along a connectionaxis 102. Tapered extension 112 includes a nose 114 that forms aterminal end of tapered extension 112. Electronic connector 100 mayinclude or interface with a connector cable 116 that includes one ormore electrically conductive wires for transmitting electrical power,ground, and/or electrical signals to and/or from a set of electricalcontacts 118.

Electronic connector 100 may take the form of a male electronicconnector that is configured, for example, to interface with acorresponding female electronic connector to form one or more electricalconnections across the set of electrical contacts 118. As one example,electronic connector 100 may be mated to or unmated from anothercorresponding electronic connector (e.g., female electronic connector900 of FIG. 9) along connection axis 102.

In FIG. 1, for example, connection axis 102 includes an arrow thatrepresents a direction along connection axis 102 that electronicconnector 100 may be connected to another corresponding electronicconnector. Electronic connector 100 may be disconnected by withdrawingelectronic connector 100 relative to the other electronic connectoralong connection axis 102 in a direction that opposes the arrow depictedin FIG. 1. Connection axis 102 is parallel to or may be collinear withthe Z-coordinate axis of the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinatesystem depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 depicts the example electronic connector 100 of FIG. 1 as viewedalong the X-coordinate axis. Tapered extension 112 includes a firstconnection face 210 and a second connection face 220 that are inclinedrelative to each other. For example, first connection face 210 andsecond connection face 220 may taper toward each other from base 110 tonose 114. In at least some configurations, first connection face 210 andsecond connection face 220 taper toward each other symmetrically about afirst symmetry plane 230 that is parallel to or co-planar with anXZ-coordinate plane. Within FIG. 2, connection axis 102 is parallel toand contained within first symmetry plane 230.

FIG. 2 depicts first connection face 210 having a first taper angle 212measured relative to connection axis 102. FIG. 2 further depicts secondconnection face 220 including a second taper angle 222 measured relativeto connection axis 102. For configurations in which first and secondconnection faces taper toward each other symmetrically, a magnitude ofeach taper angle relative to a particular reference may be identical forboth connection faces. Therefore, a magnitude of first taper angle 212is equal to a magnitude of second taper angle 222 in the exampledepicted in FIG. 2.

As an example, first taper angle 212 and second taper angle 222 eachhave a magnitude of 4 degrees. As another example first taper angle 212and second taper angle 222 may have a magnitude that is selected fromthe range 3 degrees-5 degrees. In yet another example, first taper angle212 and second taper angle 222 may have a magnitude that is selectedfrom the range 1 degree-10 degrees. In still further examples, firsttaper angle 212 and second taper angle 222 may have a magnitude that isselected from the range >0 degrees-45 degrees. In at least someuse-scenarios, a smaller taper angle relative to the connection axis mayadvantageously provide greater connection depth and/or connectorretention by a female connector, while a larger taper angle relative tothe connection axis may advantageously reduce connector depth and/orassist in connector mating with a female connector. A lesser taper anglemay also allow for a relatively smaller opening in the Y dimension of acorresponding female connector, thus increasing options for small devicesize and/or female connector placement.

A tapered extension may include first and second connection faces havingother suitable taper angles. In other configurations, for example, firstand second connection faces may be inclined relative to each other, butmay have taper angles of different magnitudes relative to a commonreference (i.e., asymmetrical tapers). In asymmetrical configurations, afirst connection face may be inclined at a greater angle than a secondconnection face.

FIG. 2 further depicts an edge profile of nose 114 in further detail. Inat least some configurations, an edge profile of nose 114 if viewedalong the X-coordinate axis may take the form of a semi-circle thatinterfaces with first connection face 210 and second connection face220. A semi-circle of the nose may have a constant radius or may takeother suitable forms. The nose may alternatively have a curved butnon-circular edge profile, a polygonal edge profile, a pointed edgeprofile or triangular terminal end, or any other edge profile.

FIG. 3 depicts the example electronic connector 100 of FIG. 1 as viewedalong the Z-coordinate axis. In the depicted configuration, firstconnection surface 210 and second connection surface 220 are eachsymmetric about a second symmetry plane 360. In this example, secondsymmetry plane 360 bisects first connection surface 210 and secondconnection surface 220. In other configurations, first connectionsurface 210 and/or second connection surface 220 may be asymmetric aboutsecond symmetry plane 360.

FIG. 3 further depicts a configuration in which the set of electricalcontacts 118 of electronic connector 100 is divided into a first subsetof electrical contacts 352 located along first connection face 210, anda second subset of electrical contacts 354 located along secondconnection face 220. The arrangement of electrical contacts depicted inFIG. 3 is an example of an electrical contact configuration for anelectronic connector. Other suitable electrical contact configurationsmay be used.

The first and second subsets of electrical contacts may include anysuitable quantity of electrical contacts. As one example, eachconnection face may include six or less, eight, ten, twelve, fourteen,sixteen, eighteen, twenty, or even greater quantities of electricalcontacts. Symmetrical configurations will generally include an evennumber of electrical contacts, although symmetrical configurations mayinclude an odd number of electrical contacts with a centered groundcontact. Asymmetrical even and odd number configurations are within thescope of this disclosure and may provide a mechanism for detecting maleconnector orientation.

In at least some configurations, the first and second subsets ofelectrical contacts may each have the same quantity of electricalcontacts. FIG. 3 depicts an example in which the first subset ofelectrical contacts 352 includes twenty electrical contacts indicated byreference numerals 321-340 (ordered sequentially from left to right),and the second subset of electrical contacts 354 also includes twentyelectrical contacts indicated by reference numerals 301-320 (orderedsequentially from right to left). In another configuration, a first setof electrical contacts may include six electrical contacts and a secondset of electrical contacts may also include six electrical contacts, asdepicted in FIGS. 5-8, for example.

In other configurations, first and second subsets of electrical contactsmay have different quantities of electrical contacts relative to eachother. As one example, a first subset of electrical contacts locatedalong a first connection face may include two or more electricalcontacts, and a second subset of electrical contacts located along asecond connection face may include fewer electrical contacts than thefirst subset of electrical contacts. In at least some configurations,the second subset of electrical contacts may be omitted, for example, sothat zero electrical contacts are located along second connection face220.

In at least some configurations, outward facing surfaces of the firstsubset of electrical contacts 352 may be flush with first connectionface 210, and outward facing surfaces of the second subset of electricalcontacts 354 may be flush with second connection face 220. Flushconnection faces may provide smooth insertion of the electronicconnector into a receptacle of another electronic connector orwithdrawal of the electronic connector from the receptacle. Flushconnection faces may also improve connector cleanliness and facilitateconnector cleaning. Such cleaning may be manual or due to, for example,friction during insertion and withdrawal. In other configurations,outward facing surfaces of electrical contacts may be recessed orprotrude relative to the first and second connection faces.

Electrical contacts may have any suitable shape and/or size. In theexample depicted in FIGS. 1-4, externally facing connection surfaces ofthe electrical contacts have a flat rectangular shape. However, anexternally facing connection surface of an electrical contact may haveother suitable shapes, including circles, ovals, multi-sidedtwo-dimensional shapes, multi-sided three-dimensional shapes, etc. Theelectrical contacts depicted in FIGS. 1-4 are of similar shape and sizein relation to each other. In other configurations, electrical contactsof an electronic connector may have different shapes and/or sizes inrelation to each other.

In at least some configurations, the first subset of electrical contacts352 may be evenly spaced apart from each other along the firstconnection face 210 as measured along the X-coordinate axis. The secondsubset of electrical contacts 354 may also be evenly spaced apart fromeach other along second connection face 220 as measured along theX-coordinate axis. In a further example, two middle electrical contactsalong a connection face may be equally spaced from second symmetry plane360, the outer electrically contacts along the connection face may beequally spaced from second symmetry plane 360, and other intermediateelectrical contacts along the connection face may be paired with asymmetric electrical contact located on an opposite side of secondsymmetry plane 360 that is equally spaced from second symmetry plane360. In other configurations, electrical contacts may not be evenlyspaced apart from each other along first and/or second connection facesto provide any number of symmetric or asymmetric contact configurations.

In at least some configurations, the first subset of electrical contacts352 are arranged symmetrically along first connection face 210 aboutsecond symmetry plane 360. In the example depicted in FIG. 3, secondsymmetry plane 360 is orthogonal to first symmetry plane 230, andadditionally contains connection axis 102 and is parallel to or coplanarwith the YZ-coordinate plane. In the example depicted in FIG. 3, tenelectrical contacts (or half of electrical contacts 352) are locatedalong first connection face 210 on one side of second symmetry plane360, and another ten electrical contacts (or half of electrical contacts352) are located along first connection face 210 on an opposite side ofsecond symmetry plane 360. In other configurations, a different quantityof electrical contacts may be located along first connection face 210 oneither side of symmetry plane 360 in a symmetric or asymmetricarrangement.

The second subset of electrical contacts 354 may also be arrangedsymmetrically along second connection face 220 about second symmetryplane 360. In the example depicted in FIG. 3, ten electrical contacts(or half of electrical contacts 354) are located along second connectionface 220 on one side of second symmetry plane 360, and another tenelectrical contacts (or half of electrical contacts 354) are locatedalong second connection face 220 on an opposite side of second symmetryplane 360. In other configurations, a different quantity of electricalcontacts may be located along second connection face 220 on either sideof symmetry plane 360 in a symmetric or asymmetric arrangement.

In at least some configurations, the first subset of electrical contacts352 and the second subset of electrical contacts 354 may be arrangedsymmetrically about first symmetry plane 230. For example, FIG. 3depicts each electrical contact of the first subset of electricalcontacts 352 being aligned with a corresponding electrical contact ofthe second subset of electrical contacts 354 along the X-coordinateaxis. For example, electrical contact 301 is aligned with electricalcontact 340, and electrical contact 320 is aligned with electricalcontact 321 in this arrangement. In other configurations, the firstsubset of electrical contacts 352 and the second subset of electricalcontacts 354 may be arranged asymmetrically about first symmetry plane230, such that one or more of electrical contacts 352 are not alignedwith one or more electrical contacts 354 along the X-coordinate axis. Insome asymmetrical configurations, one of the connection faces may notinclude any electrical contacts.

FIG. 4 depicts the example electronic connector 100 of FIG. 1 as viewedalong the Y-coordinate axis. FIG. 4 further depicts an example in whichthe electrical contacts are aligned with one another between flanksurfaces. For example, first subset of electrical contacts 352 has astraight-line alignment along first connection face 210 that is parallelto the terminal end of the tapered extension formed by nose 114. In thisexample, the first subset of electrical contacts 352 is aligned along astraight line that is parallel to the X-coordinate axis. The secondsubset of electrical contacts 354 may similarly have a straight-linealignment along second connection face 220 that is parallel to theterminal end of the tapered extension. In other configurations,electrical contacts may have other suitable alignments along aconnection face, such as, for example, convex, concave, or staggeredalignments relative to the terminal end of the tapered extension.

In at least some configurations, each electrical contact of the set ofelectrical contacts 118 may be offset by the same distance 410 from theterminal end of the tapered extension formed by nose 114. In otherconfigurations, electrical contacts located along a connection face maybe offset by different distances relative to each other from theterminal end of the tapered extension and/or electrical contacts locatedon different connection faces may be offset by different distancesrelative to each other from the terminal end of the tapered extension.This may be advantageous in making a ground or power contact ahead of asignal contact, for example, in order to help limit arcing and/orelectrostatic discharge events during attach and/or detach.

FIG. 4 further depicts tapered extension 112 including a first flanksurface 420 and a second flank surface 430. First flank surface 420 andsecond flank surface 430 form respective opposing sides of taperedextension 112 between first connection face 210 and second connectionface 220. As one example, first flank surface 420 and second flanksurface 430 have curved outward facing edge profiles as viewed along theZ-coordinate axis of FIG. 3, and have straight or flat outward facingedge profiles as viewed along the Y-coordinate axis of FIG. 4. In otherconfigurations, flank surfaces may have curved and/or multi-faced edgeprofiles as viewed along the Y-coordinate axis, straight or multi-facededge profiles as viewed along the Z-coordinate axis, and/or differentedge profiles relative to each other.

FIG. 4 depicts first flank surface 420 and second flank surface 430tapering toward each other from base 110 to nose 114. In one example,first flank surface 420 and second flank surface 430 taper toward eachother symmetrically about second symmetry plane 360. For example, FIG. 4depicts outward facing edge profiles of first flank surface 420 andsecond flank surface 430. In a symmetric configuration, a magnitude of ataper angle 422 of first flank surface 420 is equal to a magnitude of ataper angle 432 of second flank surface 430. In FIG. 4, taper angles 422and 432 are measured relative to the outward facing edge profiles of therespective flank surfaces and to respective reference axes that areparallel to both the connection axis 102 and the Z-coordinate axis.Flank surface taper angle(s) may be the same as, greater than, or lessthan connection surface taper angle(s).

As a non-limiting example, taper angles 422 and 432 have a magnitude of6 degrees. As another example, taper angles 422 and 432 have a magnitudeof 10 degrees. In yet another example, taper angles 422 and 432 have amagnitude that is selected from the range 6 degrees-10 degrees. Infurther examples, taper angles 422 and 432 have a magnitude that isselected from the range >0 -45 degrees. In other configurations, taperangle 422 may be greater than or less than taper angle 432. In stillother configurations, one or both of taper angles 422 and 432 may bezero degrees or parallel to each other and connection axis 102. In thisconfiguration, flank surfaces are not inclined relative to each other,and provide parallel side walls of the tapered extension. In onealternative, the parallel side walls may have a non-zero angle withrespect to connection axis 102 to provide increased mechanical retentionbetween the male and female connectors. In at least some use-scenarios,a smaller taper angle relative to the connection axis may advantageouslyprovide greater connection depth and/or connector retention by a femaleconnector, while a larger taper angle relative to the connection axismay advantageously reduce connector size and/or assist in connectormating with a female connector. A lesser taper angle may also allow fora relatively smaller opening in the X dimension of a correspondingfemale connector, thus increasing options for small device size and/orfemale connector placement.

Flank surfaces may be symmetric or asymmetric about first symmetry plane230. Flank surfaces 420 and 430 are each symmetric about first symmetryplane 230 in the depicted configuration. In this example, first symmetryplane 230 bisects first flank surface 420 and second flank surface 430.

Connection faces 210 and 220, flank surfaces 420 and 430, and nose 114may collectively form a shell or frame of electronic connector 100. Inat least some configurations, this shell or frame may take the form of asingle integrated component formed from a common material or combinationof materials. As an example, this shell or frame may be formed from apolymer. However, other suitable materials may be used.

First connection face 210 and second connection face 220 may defineopenings or windows within the shell or frame that are occupied byelectrical contacts 118. For example, first connection face 210 maydefine a first subset of openings or windows in the shell or frame thatare occupied by the first subset of electrical contacts 352, and secondconnection face 220 may define a second subset of openings or windows inthe shell or frame that are occupied by the second subset of electricalcontacts 354.

Base 110 may also form part of the shell or frame of electronicconnector 100 in some configurations, and may be combined withconnection faces 210 and 220, flank surfaces 420 and 430, and nose 114into a single integrated component formed from a common material orcombination of materials. In other configurations, base 110 may form aseparate component from tapered extension 112, and may be formed fromthe same or different material than tapered extension 112.

Electrical contacts may be formed from any suitable electricallyconductive material or combination of materials. Examples ofelectrically conductive materials include metals, such as gold, copper,silver, and aluminum. However, electrical contacts may be formed fromother suitable electrically conductive materials or combinations ofmaterials. Within the context of electronic connector 100, for example,electrical contacts may be formed from a material or combination ofmaterials that serve as a better electrical conductor than a material orcombination of materials that form first connection face 210 and secondconnection face 220 of tapered extension 112. First connection face 210and second connection face 220 may be formed from any suitable materialor combination of materials (e.g., a polymer) that serve as anelectrical insulator between individual electrical contacts.

An electronic connector, such as example electronic connector 100, maybe constructed using a variety of manufacturing techniques including, asnon-limiting examples: plastic injection molding, inset molding, andovermolding for tapered extension and base components of the electronicconnector; and metal blanking, forming, and stamping for electricalcontacts, the electrical ground conductor body, and other conductivecomponents. Manual and/or automated assembly processes may be used tocombine connector components. As one example, the electrical groundconductor body may be constructed from sheet metal along with twosubsets of inset-molded electrical contacts (e.g., subsets of electricalcontacts 352 and 354) may be overmolded with plastic or may be insertedinto a separate molded part (e.g., MIM), and then overmolded withplastic to create continuous smooth outer surfaces of the taperedextension. The back end of the contacts then may be soldered to a paddlecard (e.g., PCB) or wired directly to cable wires. The base of theelectronic connector and paddle card then may be overmolded withplastic.

In at least some configurations, electronic connector 100 furtherincludes one or more magnetically attractable elements. As one example,FIGS. 3 and 4 depict electronic connector 100 including a firstmagnetically attractable element 372 and a second magneticallyattractable element 374 included on or within base 110. Thesemagnetically attractable elements may be aligned with and correspond tomagnetically attractable elements included on or within a correspondingelectronic connector with which electronic connector 100 is configuredto form an electrical connection (e.g., female electronic connector 900of FIG. 9).

A magnetically attractable element may include a permanent magnet, anelectromagnet, and/or a material that is attracted by another magnet. Anon-limiting example of a permanent magnet includes rare earth magnets.However, other suitable permanent magnets may be used. Examples ofmaterials that are attracted by magnets include at least some forms ofsteel, iron, nickel, cobalt, and certain rare earth metals.

While electronic connector 100 is depicted as including two magneticallyattractable elements, an electronic connector, such as exampleelectronic connector 100 may include any suitable quantity ofmagnetically attractable elements, including one, two, three, four, ormore magnetically attractable elements. When two or more magneticallyattractable elements are included, individual magnetically attractableelements may be located on both sides of the second symmetry plane 360.

First magnetically attractable element 372 and second magneticallyattractable element 374 are configured to cooperate with one or morecorresponding magnetically attractable elements of a paired electronicconnector to magnetically hold electronic connector 100 in place whileinterfacing with that paired electronic connector. FIG. 11 depicts anexample of two paired electronic connectors having correspondingmagnetically attractable elements. In at least some configurations, anindividual magnetically attractable element of an electronic connectormay be configured to cooperate at the same time with two or moremagnetically attractable elements of a paired electronic connector. Forexample, first magnetically attractable element 372 and secondmagnetically attractable element 374 simultaneously may be attracted toand retained by a common magnetically attractable element of a pairedelectronic connector.

In one example, first magnetically attractable element 372 and secondmagnetically attractable element 374 may be located within base 110. Inthis example, first magnetically attractable element 372 and secondmagnetically attractable element 374 may be hidden behind connectionsurface 380 of base 110. In another example, first magneticallyattractable element 372 and second magnetically attractable element 374may be included on base 110 where they may be exposed to one or moremagnetically attractable elements of a corresponding electronicconnector. In this example, outward facing surfaces of firstmagnetically attractable element 372 and second magnetically attractableelement 374 may be flush with a connection surface 380 of base 110, maybe recessed relative to connection surface 380, or may protrude relativeto connection surface 380.

One or more magnetically attractable elements may alternatively oradditionally be included on or within tapered extension 112. In oneexample, one or more magnetically attractable elements may be includedon or within nose 114 of tapered extension 112, including configurationsin which outward facing surfaces of the magnetically attractableelements are flush with a connection surface of the nose, recessedrelative to the connection surface of the nose, protrude relative to theconnection surface of the nose, or are hidden behind the connectionsurface of the nose.

A permanent magnet or electromagnet forming a magnetically attractableelement of an electronic connector may have a polarity that correspondsto or is paired with an inverse polarity or an attractable polarity ofanother magnet of a paired electronic connector. Magnetic polarity maybe used, in at least some implementations, to enforce a particularconnection orientation or preclude an incorrect connection orientationbetween paired electronic connectors.

As one example, first magnetically attractable element 372 may have afirst polarity and second magnetically attractable element 374 may havea second polarity that differs from the first polarity. In this example,a paired electronic connector may include a corresponding magneticallyattractable element having a polarity that is attracted to the firstpolarity of first magnetically attractable element 372 and anothermagnetically attractable element having a polarity that is repelled byfirst magnetically attractable element 372. Continuing with thisexample, the second polarity of second magnetically attractable element374 may be attracted to the magnetically attractable element of thepaired electronic connector that was repelled by the first magneticallyattractable element 372. However, for implementations in which pairedelectronic connectors include two or more connection orientations (e.g.,reversible connectors), first magnetically attractable element 372 andsecond magnetically attractable element 374 may have the same or similarpolarity. In such case, the paired electronic connector may have one ormore corresponding magnetically attractable elements that are eachattracted to first magnetically attractable element 372 and secondmagnetically attractable element 374 of electronic connector 100.

As another example, a magnetically attractable element may include aspatially varying polarity (e.g., bipolar) across an outward facingsurface or connection face of that magnetically attractable element. Forexample, magnetically attractable element 372 may include a firstpolarity along a first portion of connection surface 380 and a secondpolarity that differs from the first polarity along a second portion ofconnection surface 380. Magnetically attractable element 374 may includea spatially varying polarity across connection surface 380 that is thesame as or differs in orientation from magnetically attractable element372 to provide a reversible or non-reversible electronic connector pairthat includes corresponding magnetically attractable elements of theother electronic connector.

In at least some configurations, electronic connector 100 furtherincludes an electrical ground conductor body that is electricallyconnected to one or more electrical contacts of the electronicconnector. As one example, FIGS. 2 and 4 further depict electronicconnector 100 including electrical ground conductor body 240. Anelectrical ground conductor body of an electronic connector may serve toreduce impedance discontinuities and/or improve signal integrity,particularly at higher data transfer rates (e.g., speeds of 5 Gbps as anon-limiting example) across an interface of paired electronicconnectors.

Electrical ground conductor body 240 may be contained within at least aportion of tapered extension 112 and/or base 110. In one example,electrical ground conductor body 240 incudes a flat conductive plateportion that is parallel to and near first symmetry plane 230. Forexample, the distances from the plate portion to the opposing connectionfaces may be near the same (i.e., less than 10% difference), and/or thedistance from the plate portion to the first symmetry plane 230 may besubstantially less than the distances from the plate portion to theconnection faces (e.g., less than 10%). As a more particular example,the plate portion may be equidistant to the opposing connection faces.This flat conductive plate portion of electrical ground conductor body240 may be coplanar with the first symmetry plane 230 and/or may containconnection axis 102 in at least some configurations, such as depicted inFIG. 2, for example. In such a configuration, opposing electricalcontacts are equidistant from the ground conductor body, and impedancedifferences between the opposing electrical contacts are reduced oreliminated.

Electrical ground conductor body 240 may be electrically connected to atleast one electrical ground contact of the first subset of electricalcontacts 352 and at least one ground electrical contact of the secondsubset of electrical contacts 354. For example, electrical groundconductor body 240 may be electrically connected to two or more (i.e.,plural) electrical ground contacts of the first subset of electricalcontacts 352 and two or more (i.e., plural) electrical ground contactsof the second subset of electrical contacts 354. In a further example,electrical ground conductor body 240 may be electrically connected toeach or every electrical ground contact of electronic connector 100. Ina configuration with at least twelve electrical ground contacts on eachconnection face, an electrical ground conductor body may be electricallyconnected to at least twelve ground contacts of the first subset ofelectrical contacts and at least twelve ground contacts of the secondsubset of electrical contacts.

Electrical ground conductor body 240 may alternatively be connected to avoltage potential other than ground. For example, electrical groundconductor body 240 may be connected to a positive or negative voltagepotential with respect to the ground potential in a device or withrespect to earth ground.

In at least some configurations, electrical ground contacts may bedistributed among electrical power contacts and electrical signalcontacts in a manner that limits a distance between each non-groundcontact and a nearest electrical ground contact to less than a definedquantity of intermediate non-ground contacts. As one example, electricalground contacts may be distributed among electrical contacts 301-320 offirst connection face 210 such that all non-ground contacts areseparated from a nearest electrical ground contact by no more than oneother non-ground contact. As another example, electrical ground contactsmay be distributed among electrical contacts 321-340 of secondconnection face 220 so that all non-ground contacts are separated from anearest electrical ground contact by no more than two other non-groundcontacts. In another example, conductive vias, conduits, or channels mayextend from the ground contacts to an electrical ground conductor body.In this way, a signal contact may be shielded on at least three sides byground. Non-limiting examples of pin-out configurations for the set ofelectrical contacts 118 of electronic connector 100 are described infurther detail with reference to FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C.

It will be appreciated in view of the previously described exampleconfigurations that reversibility of an electronic connector, such asexample electronic connector 100, between two or more differentconnection orientations with a paired electronic connector may beachieved by inclusion of one or more symmetric features. Examples ofsymmetric features include: (1) symmetric connector geometries such assymmetric connection faces, symmetric flank surfaces, etc., (2)symmetric electrical contact arrangements, and/or (3) symmetricmagnetically attractable elements about first symmetry plane 230 and/orsecond symmetry plane 360.

It will also be appreciated that non-reversibility of an electronicconnector supporting only a single connection orientation with a pairedelectronic connector may be achieved by inclusion of one or moreasymmetric features. These asymmetric features may be used to enforce aparticular connection orientation or preclude an incorrect connectionorientation between paired electronic connectors. Non-limiting examplesof asymmetric features include: (1) asymmetric connector geometries suchas asymmetric connection faces, asymmetric flank surfaces, etc., (2)asymmetric electrical contact arrangements, and/or (3) asymmetricmagnetically attractable elements about first symmetry plane 230 and/orsecond symmetry plane 360.

FIG. 14 depicts an example electronic connector 1400 that includes anelectrically conductive fang 1402. Conductive fang 1402 provides thesame ground connection points as electrical contacts 122 and 124 of FIG.1, but also allows a female electronic connector to ground the sides ofthe fang (e.g., via flank finger springs 1170 and 1180 of FIG. 11). Fang1402 may be created by metal injection molding or another process out ofa conductive material (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.). A non-conductiveseparator 1404 may be fit around the various electrical contacts 1406 soas to prevent shorts between the contacts. The non-conductive separator1404, electrical contacts 1406, and fang 1402 may be sized andpositioned so as to create substantially smooth connection faces. In atleast some examples, fang 1402 may additionally or alternatively serveto increase electromagnetic shielding of the connector.

FIGS. 5-8 depict an example electronic connector 500 having a secondconfiguration. Electronic connector 500 is similar to previouslydescribed electronic connector 100 in many respects with the exceptionof differences in the tapered extension geometry and arrangement ofelectrical contacts. In this configuration, connection faces of theelectronic connector each include a recessed region that separateselectrical contacts along that connection face into two groups. In atleast some implementations, these recessed regions may serve to reduceinsertion friction while connecting the electronic connector, and mayfurther enable reduction in the size and/or strength of magneticallyattractable elements used to assist in establishing a connection with apaired electronic connector.

Electronic connector 500 may likewise take the form of a male electronicconnector that is configured, for example, to interface with acorresponding female electronic connector to form one or more electricalconnections across a set of electrical contacts 518. While electronicconnector 500 is different from electronic connector 100 of FIG. 1, bothconnectors may be compatible with the same female connector (e.g.,female electronic connector 900 of FIG. 9).

As one example, electronic connector 500 may be mated to or unmated fromanother corresponding electronic connector along a connection axis 502.In FIG. 2, for example, connection axis 502 includes an arrow thatrepresents a direction along connection axis 502 by which electronicconnector 500 interfaces with another electronic connector. Electronicconnector 500 may be disconnected by withdrawing electronic connector500 relative to the other electronic connector along connection axis 502in a direction that opposes the arrow depicted in FIG. 5. Connectionaxis 502 is parallel to or collinear with the Z-coordinate axis of thethree-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system depicted in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 5, electronic connector 500 includes a base 510 and atapered extension 512 that protrudes from base 510. Tapered extension512 includes a nose 514 that forms a terminal end of tapered extension512. Electronic connector 500 may include or interface with a connectorcable 516 that includes one or more electrically conductive wires fortransmitting electrical power, electrical signals, and/or a groundreference.

In the configuration depicted in FIGS. 5-8, base 510 of electronicconnector 500 has a different shape than base 110 of electronicconnector 100. For example, base 510 includes a circular barrel shape inwhich connector cable 516 interfaces with an end of the barrel formed bybase 510. In contrast to base 110 of electronic connector 100, base 510of electronic connector 500 includes or interfaces with a connectorcable at a different orientation relative to the orientation ofelectronic connector 100. However, base 510 and base 110 may beinterchangeable with each other, and other suitable connector cableorientations and/or base geometries may be utilized. In still otherconfigurations, base 110 of electronic connector 100 and base 510 ofelectronic connector 500 may be integrated with or take the form of achassis or body of an electronic device or docking station.

In at least some configurations, an electrical ground conductor body ofan electronic connector, such as electronic connectors 100 or 500, maybe electrically connected to one or more additional electrical contactslocated along a nose of the electronic connector. FIG. 1 depicts anexample in which electrical contacts 122 and 124 are located along nose114. In this example, electrical contacts 122 and 124 include externallyfacing connection surfaces that are exposed to corresponding electricalcontacts of a paired electronic connector. In at least someconfigurations, electrical contacts 122 and 124 are integrated with andform respective portions of an electrical ground conductor bodycontained at least partially within the tapered extension. An example ofthis configuration is described in further detail with reference to FIG.11.

Nose 114 may define corresponding openings or windows occupied byelectrical contacts 122 and 124. Externally facing connection surfacesof electrical contacts 122 and 124 may be flush with nose 114, mayprotrude relative to nose 114, or may be recessed relative to nose 114.In other configurations, electrical contacts 122 and/or 124 may beomitted (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 5), or a greater quantity ofelectrical contacts, including non-ground contacts, may be located alongnose 114. While not shown in FIGS. 5-8, electronic connector 500 mayoptionally be configured with electrical contact(s) located along a noseof the electronic connector.

FIG. 6 depicts the example electronic connector 500 of FIG. 5 as viewedalong the X-coordinate axis. Tapered extension 512 includes a firstconnection face 610 and a second connection face 620. First connectionface 610 and second connection face 620 are inclined relative to eachother, and taper toward each other symmetrically about a first symmetryplane 630 that is parallel to or co-planar with an XZ-coordinate plane.Connection axis 502 is contained within first symmetry plane 630. Firstconnection face 610 has a first taper angle 612 measured relative toconnection axis 502. Second connection face 620 has a second taper angle622 measured relative to connection axis 502. Taper angles 612 and 622have identical magnitudes in this symmetric configuration. Taper angles612 and 622 may be the same as or may differ from previously describedtaper angles 212 and 222 of electronic connector 100.

FIG. 7 depicts the example electronic connector 500 of FIG. 5 as viewedalong the Z-coordinate axis. In this example, first connection face 610includes a first recessed region 790 that extends from the terminal endof protruding extension 512 at least part way toward base 510. In atleast some configurations, first recessed region 790 may be symmetricabout a second symmetry plane 760. In the example depicted in FIG. 7,second symmetry plane 760 is orthogonal to first symmetry plane 630,contains connection axis 502, and is parallel to or coplanar with theYZ-coordinate plane. In other configurations, first recessed region 790may be asymmetric about second symmetry plane 760.

In the depicted configuration, first recessed region 790 is locatedbetween a first portion (e.g., half or other suitable quantity) of afirst subset of electrical contacts 752 and another portion (e.g., halfor other suitable quantity) of the first subset of electrical contacts752. For example, FIG. 7 depicts three electrical contacts located alongfirst connection face 610 on one side of first recessed region 790 andthree electrical contacts located along first connection face 610 onanother side of first recessed region 790.

Tapered extension 512 further includes a second recessed region 792within second connection face 620 that extends from the terminal end ofprotruding extension 512 at least part way toward base 510. In thisexample, second recessed region 792 may be symmetric about secondsymmetry plane 760. In other configurations, second recessed region 792may be asymmetric about second symmetry plane 760.

In the depicted configuration, second recessed region 792 is alsolocated between a first portion (e.g., half or other suitable quantity)of a second subset of electrical contacts 754 and another portion (e.g.,half or other suitable quantity) of the second subset of electricalcontacts 754. For example, FIG. 7 depicts three electrical contactslocated along second connection face 620 on one side of second recessedregion 792 and three electrical contacts located along second connectionface 620 on another side of second recessed region 792. Within FIG. 7,electrical contacts are indicated by reference numerals 701-703 and718-720 (ordered from right to left) along second connection face 620,and by reference numerals 721-723 and 738-740 (ordered from left toright) along first connection face 610. Non-limiting examples of pin-outconfigurations for electrical contacts 518 of electronic connector 500are described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 13A, 13B, and13C.

In the depicted configuration, first recessed region 790 and secondrecessed region 792 are also symmetric about first symmetry plane 630.For example, FIG. 7 depicts the terminal end of tapered extension 512formed by nose 514 as having thicker end portions (as measured along theY-coordinate axis) containing electrical contacts on upper and lowerconnection faces. The thicker end portions are joined in the middle by athinner interior region (as measured along the Y-coordinate axis) thatdoes not contain electrical contacts. In other configurations, firstrecessed region 790 and second recessed region 792 may be asymmetricabout first symmetry plane 630.

FIG. 8 further depicts tapered extension 512 including a first flanksurface 820 and a second flank surface 830. First flank surface 820 andsecond flank surface 830 form respective opposing sides of taperedextension 512 between first connection face 610 and second connectionface 620. As one example, first flank surface 820 and second flanksurface 830 have curved outward facing edge profiles as viewed along theZ-coordinate axis of FIG. 7, and have straight or flat outward facingedge profiles as viewed along the Y-coordinate axis of FIG. 8. In otherconfigurations, flank surfaces may have curved and/or multi-faced edgeprofiles as viewed along the Y-coordinate axis, straight or multi-facededge profiles as viewed along the Z-coordinate axis, and/or differentedge profiles relative to each other.

FIG. 8 depicts first flank surface 820 and second flank surface 830tapering toward each other from base 510 to nose 514. In one example,first flank surface 820 and second flank surface 830 taper toward eachother symmetrically about second symmetry plane 760. FIG. 8 depictsoutward facing edge profiles of first flank surface 820 and second flanksurface 830. In the depicted configuration, a magnitude of a taper angle822 of first flank surface 820 is equal to a magnitude of a taper angle832 of second flank surface 830. In FIG. 8, taper angles 822 and 832 aremeasured relative to the outward facing edge profiles of the respectiveflank surfaces and reference axes that are parallel to connection axis502 and to the Z-coordinate axis.

Electronic connector 500 further includes one or more magneticallyattractable elements. As one example, FIGS. 7 and 8 further depictelectronic connector 500 including a first magnetically attractableelement 772 and a second magnetically attractable element 774 includedon or within base 510. Electronic connector 500 may include a differentquantity and/or arrangement of magnetically attractable elements inother configurations.

Electronic connector 500 may further include an electrical groundconductor body, such as previously described with reference toelectrical ground conductor body 240 of electronic connector 100. In atleast some configurations, this electrical ground conductor body mayhave one or more portions that extend through nose 514 of electronicconnector 500 or may be electrically connected to one or more outwardlyfacing electrical contacts located along nose 514.

FIG. 9 depicts an example electronic connector 900 having a thirdconfiguration as viewed along the Z-coordinate axis. Electronicconnector 900 may take the form of a female electronic connector that isconfigured to interface with a corresponding male electronic connectorto form one or more electrical connections. As an example, electronicconnector 900 is configured to mate with previously described electronicconnector 100 of FIG. 1 and/or previously described electronic connector500 of FIG. 5. Accordingly, in at least some implementations, electronicconnector 900 may take the form of a universal female electronicconnector for an associated group of two or more male electronicconnectors having different configurations.

Electronic connector 900 includes a connector body 950 that defines anopening 952 that serves as a receptacle for receiving a taperedextension of a corresponding male electronic connector. Taperedextension 112 of electronic connector 100 or tapered extension 512 ofelectronic connector 500 are non-limiting examples. FIG. 9 depicts aconnection surface 954 of connector body 950 around opening 952.

Electronic connector 900 includes a set of electrical contacts 970located within opening 952. Each of electrical contacts 970 may beconfigured to make contact with a corresponding electrical contact of amale electronic connector to establish one or more electricalconnections across the connector pair. Non-limiting examples of pin-outconfigurations for electrical contacts 970 are described in furtherdetail with reference to FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C.

Electrical contacts 970 may include a first subset of electricalcontacts 972 and a second subset of electrical contacts 974. As anexample, the first subset of electrical contacts 972 may include twentyelectrical contacts, and the second subset of electrical contacts 974may also include twenty electrical contacts. Individual electricalcontacts of the second subset of electrical contacts 974 are labeled inFIG. 9 (from left to right) with reference numerals 901-920. Individualelectrical contacts of the first subset of electrical contacts 972 arelabeled in FIG. 9 (from right to left) with reference numerals 921-940.

Within the context of electronic connector 900 interfacing withelectronic connector 100, for example, electrical contacts 901-920interface with electrical contacts 301-320 respectively, and electricalcontacts 921-940 interface with electrical contacts 321-340respectively. In a reversible connector pair configuration electricalcontacts 901-920 interface with electrical contacts 321-340respectively, and electrical contacts 921-940 interface with electricalcontacts 301-340 respectively.

Within the context of electronic connector 900 interfacing withelectronic connector 500, electrical contacts 901-903 interface withelectrical contacts 701-703 respectively, electrical contacts 918-920interface with electrical contacts 718-720 respectively, electricalcontacts 921-923 interface with electrical contacts 721-723respectively, and electrical contacts 938-940 interface with electricalcontacts 738-740 respectively. Electronic connector 500 may form areversible connector pair with electronic connector 900 in at least someconfigurations.

Electronic connector 900 may further include one or more magneticallyattractable elements included on or within connector body 950. Forexample, FIG. 9 depicts a first magnetically attractable element 956located on a first side of opening 952 and a second magneticallyattractable element 958 located on a second side of opening 952 oppositethe first side. Magnetically attractable elements 956 and 958 may bealigned with and configured to attract corresponding magneticallyattractable elements of example electronic connector 100 and/orelectronic connector 500.

Opening 952 may be defined, at least in part, by one or more interiorsurfaces of connector body 950. In at least some configurations, one ormore interior surfaces of connector body 950 may define an inverse ofthe shape of a tapered extension of a male electronic connector. Theseone or more interior surfaces may correspond to and/or accommodate oneor more of the previously described first and second connection faces,first and second flank surfaces, and nose of electronic connectors 100and 500, for example.

Within the context of electronic connector 900 interfacing withelectronic connector 100, for example, connector body 950 may includeone or more of: a first interior connection face 960 that forms aceiling of opening 952 and which corresponds to and/or accommodatesfirst connection face 210 of electronic connector 100, a second interiorconnection face 962 that forms a floor of opening 952 and whichcorresponds to and/or accommodates second connection face 220, a firstinterior flank surface 964 that forms a first side wall of opening 952and which corresponds to and/or accommodates first flank surface 420, asecond interior flank surface 966 that forms a second side wall ofopening 952 and which corresponds to and/or accommodates second flanksurface 430, an internal terminal end surface 968 that forms a terminalend of opening 952 and which corresponds to and/or accommodates nose114. First interior connection face 960 may, for example, include thefirst subset of electrical contacts 972, and second interior connectionface 962 may include the second subset of electrical contacts 974.

Some or all of these one or more interior surfaces or a portion thereofthat forms opening 952 may contact some or all of the correspondingsurfaces of a tapered extension of a male electronic connector whileinterfacing with that male electronic connector. Connection surface 954of electronic connector 900 or a portion thereof may contact connectionsurface 380 of electronic connector 100 or a portion thereof wheninterfacing with electronic connector 100, for example.

Further, in at least some configurations, one or more of the previouslydescribed interior surfaces of opening 952 may include or may beaugmented with one or more dynamic interface elements that contact oneor more surfaces of a male electronic connector. As an example, one ormore dynamic interface elements may include or take the form of fingersprings or leaf springs.

FIGS. 10 and 11 depict examples of dynamic interface elements within thecontext of example electronic connector 900. FIG. 10 depicts a view ofexample electronic connector 900 revealing one or more interior surfacesof opening 952. Second interior connection face 962 is depicted infurther detail in FIG. 10, and includes a set of connection face fingersprings 1010.

Connection face finger springs 1010 include four individual fingersprings in the depicted example. However, fewer or greater quantities offinger springs may be utilized. In the depicted example, each fingerspring is spaced evenly apart from each other along connection face 962.However, other suitable spacings may be utilized, including even and/oruneven spacings of different sizes and arrangements. As further depictedin FIG. 10, each finger spring is aligned with and offset fromconnection surface 954 by the same distance. However, other suitablealignments and/or offsets may be utilized for connection face fingersprings. For example, a set of connection face finger springs mayutilize different offset distances for some or all of the finger springsas measured relative to connection surface 954.

In at least some configurations, connection face finger springs 1010 maybe formed from and integrated with second interior connection face 962.An example finger spring 1014 includes a spring arm 1016 that isconnected to the remaining portions of second interior connection face962 by a joint 1018. Spring arm 1016 may be at least partiallysurrounded by an air gap 1020 formed by or within second interiorconnection face 962 to permit spring arm 1016 to deform and pivot aboutjoint 1018. A terminal end of spring arm 1016 that opposes joint 1018 isdepicted in FIG. 9 as being raised relative to other surround portionsof second interior connection face 962. Upon a surface of a maleelectronic connector contacting and depressing the terminal end ofspring arm 1016, the spring arm applies an opposing force to the surfaceof the male electronic connector that assists in retaining and/oraligning the male electronic connector within opening 952. The fingersprings may also serve to make a ground contact between the connectorshell and the device chassis. Finger springs may be integrally formedand/or created as separate parts attached to the interior connectionface via laser welding or another attachment procedure.

Within the context of example electronic connector 100 of FIG. 1, forexample, each of connection face finger springs 1010 may contact secondconnection face 220, at least within a region located between the secondset of electrical contacts 354 and base 110 while electronic connector100 is interfacing with and electrically connected to electronicconnector 900.

In at least some configurations, first interior connection face 960 mayinclude a set of connection face finger springs that mirrors and opposesthe previously described connection face finger springs 1010 of secondinterior connection face 962. Finger springs located along the first andsecond interior connection faces may serve to retain and/or align atapered extension of a male electronic connector within opening 952through contact with connection faces. Finger springs located along thefirst and second interior connection faces may have a similar ordissimilar arrangement, or finger springs may be omitted from the firstinterior connection face and/or the second interior connection face. Inother configurations, connection face finger springs may not beintegrated with the interior connection faces, but may be insteadfastened to the interior connection faces or may project throughopenings formed within the interior connection faces and into opening952.

FIG. 10 further depicts a set of terminal end finger springs 1030located along internal terminal end surface 968. This set of terminalend finger springs 1030 is depicted in further detail in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 depicts an electronic connector pair 1100 in the form of a maleelectronic connector 1102 and previously described electronic connector900 interfacing with each other to form one or more electricalconnections. Electronic connector pair 1100 is viewed along theY-coordinate axis in FIG. 11.

As an example, male electronic connector 1102 may take the form ofpreviously described electronic connector 100 of FIG. 1 or electronicconnector 500 of FIG. 5. Within this context, male electronic connector1102 similarly includes a base 1110 and a tapered extension 1112 thatprotrudes from base 1110. Tapered extension 1112 includes a nose 1114that forms a terminal end of tapered extension 1112.

Within FIG. 11, tapered extension 1112 has been received by electronicconnector 900 through opening 952. For example, tapered extension 1112may be inserted into opening 952 along a connection axis that isparallel to or collinear with the Z-coordinate axis depicted in FIG. 11.

Tapered extension 1112 may include a first flank surface 1116 and asecond flank surface 1118. Male electronic connector 1102 furtherincludes an electrical ground conductor body 1120 contained partiallywithin tapered extension 1112 and partially within base 1110. Conductorbody 1120 includes a first portion 1122 and a second portion 1124 thatextend through nose 1114 and are exposed to electronic connector 900.Outwardly facing surfaces of first portion 1122 and second portion 1124may take the form of electrical contacts.

In at least some configurations, electronic connector 900 also includesan electrical ground conductor body 1130. Conductor body 1130 mayinclude the previously described set of terminal end finger springs 1030of FIG. 10. In one example, terminal end finger springs 1030 may includea first terminal end finger spring 1140 and a second terminal end fingerspring 1160. However, terminal end finger springs 1030 may include othersuitable quantities of finger springs, or terminal end finger springsmay be omitted in other configurations.

First terminal end finger spring 1140 includes a spring arm 1142 that isconnected to the remaining portions of conductor body 1130 by a joint1144. Spring arm 1142 may be at least partially surrounded by an air gap1146 to permit spring arm 1142 to deform and pivot about joint 1144. Aterminal end of spring arm 1142 may include an elbow 1148 that contactsfirst portion 1122 of conductor body 1120. For example, FIG. 11 depictselbow 1148 projecting through an opening formed in internal terminal endsurface 968 with elbow 1148 being contacted by first portion 1122 ofmale electronic connector 1102.

Second terminal end finger spring 1160 includes a spring arm 1162 thatis connected to the remaining portions of conductor body 1130 by a joint1164. Spring arm 1162 may be at least partially surrounded by an air gap1166 to permit spring arm 1162 to deform and pivot about joint 1164. Aterminal end of spring arm 1162 may include an elbow 1168 that contactssecond portion 1124 of conductor body 1120. For example, FIG. 11 depictselbow 1168 projecting through an opening formed in internal terminal endsurface 968 with elbow 1168 being contacted by second portion 1124 ofmale electronic connector 1102.

Contact between conductor body 1120 and conductor body 1130, such as viathe set of terminal end finger springs 1030, may be used to establishone or more electrical ground connections between male electronicconnector 1102 and electronic connector 900. These one or moreelectrical ground connections may be in addition to or as an alternativeto one or more electrical ground connections established between a setof electrical ground contacts of male electronic connector 1102 and acorresponding set of electrical ground contacts of electronic connector900. Establishing a functionally continuous ground plane at the plane ofsymmetry helps maintain a very consistent impedance at the connectormating interfaces, thus improving signal integrity.

In at least some configurations, electronic connector 900 may include aset of flank finger springs that contact first flank surface 1116 andsecond flank surface 1118 of male electronic connector 1102. In oneexample, a set of flank finger springs may include a first flank fingerspring 1170 and a second flank finger spring 1180. Flank finger springsmay serve to retain and/or align tapered extension 1112 within opening952 through contact with flank surfaces 1116 and 1118.

First flank finger spring 1170 includes a spring arm 1172 connected tothe connector body by a joint 1174. Spring arm 1172 may be at leastpartially surrounded by an air gap 1176 to permit spring arm 1172 todeform and pivot about joint 1174. A terminal end of spring arm 1172 mayinclude an elbow 1178 that contacts first flank surface 1116 of maleelectronic connector 1102. In one example, spring arm 1172 deforms andpivots upon first flank surface 1116 contacting elbow 1178, which inturn applies a force upon first flank surface 1116 that assists inretaining and/or aligning tapered extension 1112 within opening 952.

Second flank finger spring 1180 may likewise include a spring arm 1182connected to the connector body by a joint 1184. Spring arm 1182 may beat least partially surrounded by an air gap 1186 to permit spring arm1182 to deform and pivot about joint 1184. A terminal end of spring arm1182 may likewise include an elbow 1188 that contacts second flanksurface 1118 of male electronic connector 1102. In one example, springarm 1182 deforms and pivots upon second flank surface 1118 contactingelbow 1188, which in turn applies a force upon second flank surface 1118that assists in retaining and/or aligning tapered extension 1112 withinopening 952.

In at least some configurations, first flank finger spring 1170 andsecond flank finger spring 1180 are able to accommodate a range oftapered extensions having different relative sizes and/or shapes. In oneexample, flank finger springs 1132 may accommodate flank surfaces ofdifferent male electronic connectors having different taper angles. Asan example, flank finger springs 1132 may accommodate electronicconnector 100 that includes flank surfaces having a taper angle selectedfrom a range of 6-10 degrees, and may also accommodate electronicconnector 500 that includes flank surfaces having a different taperangle selected from the range of 6-10 degrees. Here, electronicconnector 900 is able to accommodate a taper angle range of at least 4degrees for each flank surface or a total range across both flanksurfaces of 8 degrees.

FIG. 11 depicts first magnetically attractable element 956 of electronicconnector 900 aligned with and magnetically attracted to a correspondingmagnetically attractable element 1196 of male electronic connector 1102.As an example, magnetically attractable element 1196 may refer topreviously described magnetically attractable element 374 of electronicconnector 100 or magnetically attractable element 774 of electronicconnector 500. FIG. 11 further depicts second magnetically attractableelement 958 of electronic connector 900 aligned with and magneticallyattracted to a corresponding magnetically attractable element 1198 ofmale electronic connector 1102. As a non-limiting example, magneticallyattractable element 1198 may refer to previously described magneticallyattractable element 372 of electronic connector 100 or magneticallyattractable element 772 of electronic connector 500.

FIG. 12 depicts another example electronic connector pair 1200 thatprovides a non-reversible connection between two electronic connectorsby way of an inclined connection face. Electronic connector pair 1200includes a male electronic connector 1210 and a female electronicconnector 1220. Within FIG. 12, electronic connector pair 1200 is viewedalong the X-coordinate axis, and male electronic connector 1210interfaces with female electronic connector 1220 along the Z-coordinateaxis.

Male electronic connector 1210 includes a base 1212 and a taperedextension 1214 protruding from base 1212. Base 1212 includes aconnection surface 1216 that is inclined relative to a connection axis,the Z-coordinate axis, and the Y-coordinate axis depicted in FIG. 12. Inother words, connection face is not parallel to either the XY plane orthe XZ plane. Connection surface 1216 may take the form of a planar orsubstantially planar connection face in an example configuration.Connection surface 1216 is also asymmetric about plane 1218 that isparallel to the XZ coordinate plane and located along a centerline oftapered extension 1214.

Female electronic connector 1220 includes a connector body 1222 havingan opening 1224 formed within a connection surface 1226. Connectionsurface 1226 may take the form of a planar or substantially planarconnection face in an example configuration. Connection surface 1226 isalso inclined relative to the connection axis, the Z-coordinate axis,and the Y-coordinate axis at the same angle as connection surface 1216of male electronic connector 1210. Connection surface 1226 is alsoasymmetric about plane 1218 when female electronic connector 1220 isaligned with male electronic connector 1210.

While FIG. 12 depicts an example in which a connection surface isinclined relative to both the Z-coordinate axis and Y-coordinate axis, aconnection surface may be inclined relative to alternative coordinateaxes or additional coordinate axes while providing a non-reversibleconnection. In one example, a connection surface may be inclinedrelative to both the Z-coordinate axis and the X-coordinate axis, butnot inclined relative to the Y-coordinate axis. In another example, aconnection surface may inclined relative to both the Y-coordinate axisand the X-coordinate axis, but not inclined relative to the Z-coordinateaxis. In yet another example, a connection surface may be inclinedrelative to the X-coordinate axis, the Y-coordinate axis, and theZ-coordinate axis.

The electronic connectors disclosed herein may take the form ofmulti-function electronic connectors that may be used for electronicdevices. As a non-limiting example, an electronic device may take theform of a computing device, such as a tablet computer, desktop computer,notebook computer, handheld smartphone, digital camera, graphicaldisplay device, wearable device, server device, electronic appliance, orother suitable electronic device. The disclosed electronic connectorsmay replace or reduce the need for multiple independent connectors. Inat least some configurations, the disclosed electronic connectors mayserve as the only electronic connector located on or interfacing with anelectronic device. In other configurations, two or more of the disclosedelectronic connectors may be present on the same device. In suchconfigurations, the device may be configured to pass power and/or databetween different connected devices.

The disclosed electronic connector can fulfill a number of functions,across a broad range of data-intensive use-scenarios, includinghigh-speed data transfer, native video input/output, and/or electricalpower. Non-limiting examples of the signaling functions that may besupported by the disclosed electronic connectors include USB 2.0, USB3.0, USB 3.1, DisplayPort (DP), mDP, HDMI, PCIE, and THUNDERBOLT™, amongother suitable functions. The disclosed electronic connectors may enablethe off-loading of graphics processing to graphics processing devices ordata to data storage devices (e.g., to or from a hard drive). Datatransfer rates of 20 Gbps, scalable to 40 Gbps and potentially higher,may be achieved by the disclosed electronic connectors, while power-onlymodes of operation (e.g., 6-A power capability) are supported acrossfewer connector pins (e.g., 4 connector pins).

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C show a table 1300 depicting example pin-outconfigurations for an electronic connector. Table 1300 provides pinidentifiers (P.1-P.40) along the vertical axis and a variety ofdifferent pin-out configurations (Config.A-Config.H) along thehorizontal axis. Each pin identifier of table 1300 corresponds to arespective electrical contact of the electronic connector. Each valuewithin table 1300 refers to a respective function for a correspondingpin identifier and pin-out configuration.

Example functions within table 1300 include one or more instances ofpower, ground, and/or communication signals. Communication signals maytake the form of digital or analog signals. Where a particular value inTable 1300 includes the value “NC”, that electrical contact may beoptionally omitted from the electronic connector or may be included withthe electronic connector, but may be otherwise deactivated orelectrically decoupled from interaction with other electrical contactsor connectors.

Table 1300 further includes reference numerals along the vertical axisthat associate pin identifiers with the previously described electricalcontacts of electronic connector 100 of FIG. 1, electronic connector 500of FIG. 5, and electronic connector 900 of FIG. 9. These referencenumerals are provided in table 1300 as examples of pin-outconfigurations for these previously described electronic connectors.Other suitable pin-out configurations may be utilized. Furthermore, thepin-out configurations depicted in Table 1300 may be utilized incombination with electronic connectors having other forms orconfigurations.

Table 1300 and the preceding example electronic connectors provide anumber of potential configurations in which an electronic connector mayinclude a greater quantity of contacts (e.g., 40 contacts/pins) or alesser quantity of contacts (e.g., 12 contacts/pins) in which a pairedelectronic connector may interface with either contact configuration.This multi-configuration approach across a range of electronicconnectors allows for cost scaling in the form of reduced cost forcertain implementations (e.g., power-only implementations) that utilizeless than the full range of contacts or pins. Variable numbers ofcontacts or pins also allow for scalability of the connector form factorin terms of shape and size, and cable shape and size, providingdesigners with a broader range of available form factors, functionality,and cost.

Pin-out configuration Config.A includes power contacts at pinidentifiers P.1, P.20, P.21, and P.40. In at least some implementationsof this configuration, pin identifiers P.1 and P.40 may be bridged, andpin identifiers P.20 and P.21 may be bridged. These power contacts mayconvey power at one or more voltages. For example, power contacts mayconvey 5 volts to or from an accessory electronic device, and 12 voltsto a display device at 1 ampere per contact.

Config.A further includes signal contacts HPD at pin identifiers P.2,P.19, P.22, and P.39. HPD refers to a hot plug detection signal that maybe used by connected electronic devices to initiate or terminate powertransmitted over other electrical contacts of the electronic connector.In one example, first signal contacts (HPD1) may be included at pinidentifiers P.2 and P.39, and may be used for power control for one ormore of pin identifiers P.1, P.20, P.21, and/or P.40. Second signalcontacts (HPD2) may be included at pin identifiers P.19 and P.22, andmay be additionally or alternatively used for power control for one ormore of pin identifiers P.1, P.20, P.21, and/or P.40. In this example,pin identifiers P.2 and P.39 may be bridged with each other, and pinidentifiers P.19 and P.22 may be bridged with each other. In at leastsome implementations, two or more signal contacts HPD1 may includedifferent HPD signals, denoted as HPD1A and HPD1B, respectively.Similarly, signal contacts HPD2 may include different HPD signals,denoted as HPD2A and HPD2B, respectively. Hence, CONFIG.A may be used toconvey two, three, or four different HPD signals, depending onimplementation. In one example, signal contacts HPD2A and HPD2B maycorrespond to dock accessory authentication power.

Config.A further includes ground contacts at pin identifiers, P.3, P.6,P.9, P.12, P.15, P.18, P.23, P.26, P.29, P.32, P.35, and P.38. Groundcontacts may serve as ground for both power and signal contacts. In atleast some implementations of this configuration, the following pinidentifier pairs may bridged with each other: P.3 and P.38, P.6 andP.35, P.9 and P.32, P.12 and P.29, P.15 and P.26, P.18 and P.23.Config.A depicts an example where ground contacts are distributed amongpower and signal contacts such that each power or signal contact isseparated, at most, by one intermediate non-ground contact from anearest ground contact. In at least some implementations, Config.Aprovides a reversible connection having two connection orientations dueto the reversibility of power, ground, and HPD signal contacts.

Config.B includes a similar pin-out configuration to Config.A with theexception that ground contacts are not present at pin identifiers P.6,P.9, P.12, P.15, P.26, P.29, P.32, and P.35. Config.B may be used, forexample, in combination with electronic connector 500 of FIG. 5 in whichpin identifiers P.4-P.17 and P.24-P37 correspond to recessed regions ofthe connection faces. In at least some implementations, Config.Bprovides a reversible connection due to the reversibility of power,ground, and HPD signal contacts.

Config.C includes a similar pin-out configuration to Config.A with theexception that pin identifiers P.16, P.17, P.36, and P.37 collectivelysupporting USB 2.0 via signal contacts USB 2.0+ and USB 2.0−. Each USB2.0 signal pair includes corresponding positive and negative signalcontacts as indicated by the “+” and “−” identifiers. In at least someimplementations of this pin-out configuration, P.17 and P.37 may bebridged with each other, and P.16 and P.36 may be bridged with eachother. Furthermore, in at least some implementations, Config.C providesa reversible connection due to the reversibility of power, ground, andUSB 2.0 signal contacts.

Config.D includes a similar pin-out configuration to Config.C with theexception that pin identifiers P.4, P.5, P.7, and P.8 collectivelysupport USB 3.0 via signal contacts USB3 SS Rx+, USB3 SS Rx−, USB3 SSTx+, and USB3 SS Tx−, and pin identifiers P.36 and P.37 do not supportUSB 2.0 in this example configuration. USB3 SS refers to USB 3.0 SuperSpeed lanes, in which Rx refers to receive lanes and Tx refers totransmit lanes. Each Rx receive lane pair includes correspondingpositive and negative signal contacts. Similarly, each Tx transmit lanepair incudes corresponding positive and negative signal contacts. In atleast some implementations of this configuration, Config.D provides asingle non-reversible connection orientation due to the non-reversiblearrangement of USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 signal contacts.

Config.E includes the power, ground, and signal contacts of Config.Awith the additional support for four pairs of signal contacts in theform of serial lanes: SERIAL LANE0A+, SERIAL LANE0A−, SERIAL LANE1A+,SERIAL LANE1A−, SERIAL LANE4A+, SERIAL LANE4A−, SERIAL LANE1B+, SERIALLANE1B−, SERIAL LANE4B+, and SERIAL LANE4B−. Each serial lane pairincludes corresponding positive and negative signal contacts. Seriallanes may be used within the context of a variety of communicationsprotocols, including USB, HDMI, PCIE, or Thunderbolt™, for example. Inat least some implementations, Config.E provides a reversible connectiondue to the reversibility of the power, ground, and SERIAL LANE signalcontacts.

Config.F includes a similar pin-out configuration to Config.D with theexception that pin identifiers P.10, P.11, P.24, P.25, P.27, P.28, P.30,and P.31 support various instances of DisplayPort (DP) or mDP signalcontacts in the form of DP LANE signal contact pairs. Additionally, pinidentifiers P.36 and P.37 support an auxiliary (AUX) signal contactpair, pin identifier P.13 supports a DP HPD signal contact, P.14supports an RFU signal contact, pin identifier P.33 supports a DPCONFIG1 signal contact, and pin identifier P.34 supports another RFUsignal contact. Each DP lane pair includes corresponding positive andnegative signal contacts. Similarly, each AUX signal pair includescorresponding positive and negative signal contacts.

Within Config.F, signal contacts 10 and 11 include DP LANE 3+ and DPLANE 3− at P.10 and P.11. One or more of the DP lanes may instead takethe form of serial lanes. As a non-limiting example, DP LANE 0+/− mayinstead take the form of SERIAL LANE 1 Rx+/−, DP LANE 1 +/− may insteadtake the form of SERIAL LANE 1 Tx+/−, DP LANE 2+/− may instead take theform of SERIAL LANE 0 Rx+/−, and DP LANE 3 may instead take the form ofSERIAL LANE 0 Tx+/−. Conversely, one or more of the previously describedserial lanes may instead take the form of DP lanes.

Signal contacts DP HPD, RFU, and DP CONFIG1 may be used to conveydebugging signals when used in conjunction with a display device orelectronic device accessory. As a non-limiting example, DP HPD may beused for Display Port hot plug detection, and CONFIG1 may be used forDisplay Port configuration detection and/or HDMI/Display Port selectionfor Display Port dual mode support. However, one or more of these signalcontacts may be omitted or may not be used for signaling in otherimplementations. For example, one or more of DP HPD, RFU, and/or DPCONFIG1 signal contacts may be used differently during a development ortesting phase of operation than during other operational phases (e.g.,primary/public release operational phases), or may be used differentlydepending on the electronic device(s) that are communicating via theconnector. In at least some implementations, Config.F provides anon-reversible connection orientation due to the non-reversiblearrangement of the DP LANE, AUX, DP HPD, DP CONFIG1, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0signal contacts.

Config.G includes a similar pin-out configuration to Config.E, with theexception that pin identifiers P.10, P.11, P.13, P.14, P.30, P.31, P.33,P.34 include additional instances of SERIAL LANE signal contacts. In atleast some implementations, Config.G provides a reversible connectiondue to the reversibility of the power, ground, and SERIAL LANE signalcontacts. Config.G also provides an additional example of HPD signalcontacts having a different orientation as compared to the previouslydescribed configurations.

Config.H includes a similar pin-out configuration to Config.F except forHPD signal contacts have a different orientation, such as previouslydepicted in Config.G. In at least some implementations, Config.Hprovides a non-reversible connection orientation due to thenon-reversible arrangement of the DP LANE, AUX, DP HPD, DP CONFIG1, USB2.0 and USB 3.0 signal contacts.

In one implementation, the preceding pin configurations denoted asnon-reversible may be used in combination with electronic connectorsthat support only a single connection orientation to ensure that pinconfigurations are properly maintained across paired electronicconnectors. However, reversibility of paired electronic connectors mayalso improve user experience for establishing an electrical connection.Accordingly, in another implementation, pin configurations denoted asnon-reversible may be used in combination with electronic connectorsthat support multiple connection orientations through the use ofreconfigurable multiplexers and multiplexer control circuits that arepart of the electronic device.

Each multiplexer may be responsive to a multiplexer selection signalthat is determined by and originates from a multiplexer control circuit.The multiplexer control circuit detects the orientation of a maleelectronic connector relative to a female electronic connector.

If, for example, the analog input/output connectors and digitalinput/output connectors of the male electronic connector are in a firstorientation relative to the female electronic connector, then themultiplexer control circuit provides multiplexer selection signals tothe multiplexers to select the appropriate analog or digital multiplexersettings to support that orientation. If the analog input/outputconnectors and digital input/output connectors of the male electronicconnector are in a second, reversed orientation relative to the femaleelectronic connector, then the multiplexer control circuit providesopposite multiplexer selection signals to the multiplexers to select theappropriate analog or digital multiplexer settings to support thatreversed orientation. In one alternative, a DC voltage on a contact ofthe connector may serve as the multiplexer control signal. For example,a particular contact female-side may receive zero volts when themale-side connector is inserted in a first orientation, and five voltswhen the male-side connector is inserted in a second orientation. Thevoltage on the particular contact may be received by one or moremultiplexers as the select signal to switch the male-side contacts tothe appropriate female-side signals.

As a non-limiting example, within the context of Config.H, a RFU signalcontact may instead correspond with an additional RFU signal contact ina reversed connection orientation, and CONFIG1 may instead correspondwith DP HPD in the reversed connection orientation.

Reversible and non-reversible connectors may optionally include one ormore connection detection circuits associated with two or morerespective HPD signal contacts. For example, referring to Table 1300,pin/contact identifiers 19 and 39 supporting HPD signaling are locatednear opposite ends or poles of the electronic connector as measured, forexample, along the longest dimension of the electronic connector.Connection detection circuits may cooperatively form an AND gate thatwithholds power from other electrical contacts of the electronicconnector (e.g., pin/contact identifiers 1, 20, 21, and 40) unless bothpin/contact identifiers 19 and 39 have been connected to correspondingpower pin/contacts of a paired electronic connector. This feature may beused to ensure that a complete connection has been established betweenpaired electronic connectors before power and/or data is applied acrossthe interface.

Reversible and non-reversible connectors may optionally include one ormore power control circuits. For example, HPD signal paths may be usedto communicate power control information between two electronic devicesacross paired electronic connectors. For example, these two electronicdevices may utilize a specified message format to communicate powercontrol information back and forth across the paired electronicconnectors. Each electronic device may use the power control informationto specify when and how much power to transfer back and forth across thepaired electronic connectors.

While this type of smart power control may be available in someuse-scenarios, in other use-scenarios an electronic connector mayinterface with a dumb power source that does not support this type ofcontrol (e.g., an electrical power outlet adapter, also known as a wallcharger). Such an electrical power outlet adapter may not support theability to send or receive power control messages, power negationmessages, and/or authentication messages, such as via HPD or anothersuitable signal path of the paired electronic connectors. In such cases,an electronic device that is electrically connected to the electricalpower outlet adapter via the paired electronic connectors may beconfigured to determine how much electrical power that electronic devicecan safely draw from the electrical power outlet adapter andself-throttle power reception to the self-determined power level. Forexample, a resistor may be included in the path of one of the electricalcontacts of the electrical power outlet adapter. The size of theresistor may be chosen based on the intended power delivery of theelectrical power outlet adapter. When mated with the electronicconnector of the electronic device, the electronic device may be able todetermine the resistor value by placing a defined voltage across theresistor and/or by drawing a defined current through the resistor. Thedetermined resistor value may signal to the electronic device how muchpower the electronic device should draw from the electrical power outletadapter. For example, a 1 kohm resistor may indicate that 100 mA can besupplied, a 10 kohm resister may indicate that 500 mA can be supplied,and a 100 kohm resisistor may indicate that 1000 mA can be supplied.This scheme may operate in the reverse direction (i.e., the device maysupply power to a peripheral).

The disclosed electrical contacts have been described by example interms of transferring electrical power, ground, and/or signals across aconnector interface through physical surface contact with anotherelectrical contact. However, in other configurations, one or more of theelectrical connectors may transfer electrical power, ground, and/orsignals across a connector interface without physical surface contactvia induction. In such case, the interface may, for example, include anair gap and/or electrically insulating, non-conductive materials locatedbetween paired electrical contacts or other suitable inductor componentsthat are used to exchange power, ground, and/or signals via induction.Transformers and coils, for example, may be used to facilitate transferby induction.

The disclosed connectors have been described by example as electronicconnectors having one or more electrical contacts. However, in otherconfigurations, the disclosed connectors may instead take the form ofoptical connectors having one or more optical contacts or opticalinterfaces. For example, one or more electrical contacts of anelectronic connector may instead refer to optical contacts or opticalinterfaces of an optical connector that are configured to exchangeoptical signals with corresponding optical contacts or opticalinterfaces of a paired optical connector. Further, connectors thatutilize both electrical and optical interfaces are within the scope ofthis disclosure.

The configurations and/or approaches described herein are exemplary innature, and these specific embodiments or examples are not to beconsidered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations arepossible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes allnovel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the variousprocesses, systems and configurations, and other features, functions,acts, and/or properties disclosed herein, as well as any and allequivalents thereof.

1. An electronic connector, comprising: a base; a tapered extensionprotruding from the base, the tapered extension including: a noseforming a terminal end of the tapered extension, a first connectionface, a second connection face, the first connection face and the secondconnection face tapering toward each other from the base to the nosesymmetrically about a first symmetry plane, a first flank surface, and asecond flank surface, the first flank surface and the second flanksurface forming respective opposing sides of the tapered extensionbetween the first connection face and the second connection face, andtapering toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically abouta second symmetry plane that is orthogonal to the first symmetry plane;a first power electrical contact and a first ground electrical contactlocated along the first connection face proximate to the first flanksurface; a second power electrical contact and a second groundelectrical contact located along the first connection face proximate tothe second flank surface; a third power electrical contact and a thirdground electrical contact located along the second connection faceproximate to the first flank surface; and a fourth power electricalcontact and a fourth ground electrical contact located along the secondconnection face proximate to the second flank surface.
 2. The electronicconnector of claim 1, wherein the first connection face includes a firstrecessed portion between the first ground electrical contact and thesecond ground electrical contact, and wherein the second connection faceincludes a second recessed portion between the third ground electricalcontact and the fourth ground electrical contact.
 3. The electronicconnector of claim 1, wherein the first connection face extendsuninterrupted in a continuous plane between the first ground electricalcontact and the second ground electrical contact, and wherein the secondconnection face extends uninterrupted in a continuous plane between thethird ground electrical contact and the fourth ground electricalcontact.
 4. The electronic connector of claim 1, further comprising afirst subset of electrical contacts located along the first connectionface between the first ground electrical contact and the second groundelectrical contact, and a second subset of electrical contacts locatedalong the second connection face between the third ground electricalcontact and the fourth ground electrical contact.
 5. The electronicconnector of claim 1, further comprising an electrical ground conductorbody contained at least partially within the tapered extension, andelectrically connected to the first ground electrical contact, thesecond ground electrical contact, the third ground electrical contact,and the fourth ground electrical contact.
 6. The electronic connector ofclaim 5, wherein the electrical ground conductor body incudes a flatconductive plate portion that is parallel to and near the first symmetryplane.
 7. The electronic connector of claim 5, further comprising afirst subset of one or more ground electrical contacts electricallyconnected to the electrical ground conductor body and located along thefirst connection face between the first ground electrical contact andthe second ground electrical contact; and a second subset of one or moreground electrical contacts electrically connected to the electricalground conductor body and located along the second connection facebetween the third ground electrical contact and the fourth groundelectrical contact.
 8. A docking station, comprising: a docking base; atapered extension protruding from the docking base, the taperedextension including: a nose forming a terminal end of the taperedextension, a first connection face, a second connection face, the firstconnection face and the second connection face tapering toward eachother from the base to the nose symmetrically about a first symmetryplane, a first flank surface, and a second flank surface, the firstflank surface and the second flank surface forming respective opposingsides of the tapered extension between the first connection face and thesecond connection face, and tapering toward each other from the base tothe nose symmetrically about a second symmetry plane that is orthogonalto the first symmetry plane; a first power electrical contact and afirst ground electrical contact located along the first connection faceproximate to the first flank surface; a second power electrical contactand a second ground electrical contact located along the firstconnection face proximate to the second flank surface; a third powerelectrical contact and a third ground electrical contact located alongthe second connection face proximate to the first flank surface; and afourth power electrical contact and a fourth ground electrical contactlocated along the second connection face proximate to the second flanksurface.
 9. The docking station of claim 8, wherein the first connectionface includes a first recessed portion between the first groundelectrical contact and the second ground electrical contact, and whereinthe second connection face includes a second recessed portion betweenthe third ground electrical contact and the fourth ground electricalcontact.
 10. The docking station of claim 8, wherein the firstconnection face extends uninterrupted in a continuous plane between thefirst ground electrical contact and the second ground electricalcontact, and wherein the second connection face extends uninterrupted ina continuous plane between the third ground electrical contact and thefourth ground electrical contact.
 11. The docking station of claim 8,further comprising a first subset of electrical contacts located alongthe first connection face between the first ground electrical contactand the second ground electrical contact, and a second subset ofelectrical contacts located along the second connection face between thethird ground electrical contact and the fourth ground electricalcontact.
 12. The docking station of claim 8, further comprising anelectrical ground conductor body contained at least partially within thetapered extension, and electrically connected to the first groundelectrical contact, the second ground electrical contact, the thirdground electrical contact, and the fourth ground electrical contact. 13.The docking station of claim 12, wherein the electrical ground conductorbody incudes a flat conductive plate portion that is parallel to andnear the first symmetry plane.
 14. The docking station of claim 12,further comprising a first subset of one or more ground electricalcontacts electrically connected to the electrical ground conductor bodyand located along the first connection face between the first groundelectrical contact and the second ground electrical contact; and asecond subset of one or more ground electrical contacts electricallyconnected to the electrical ground conductor body and located along thesecond connection face between the third ground electrical contact andthe fourth ground electrical contact.
 15. An electronic accessorydevice, comprising: a base; a tapered extension protruding from thebase, the tapered extension including: a nose forming a terminal end ofthe tapered extension, a first connection face, a second connectionface, the first connection face and the second connection face taperingtoward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about a firstsymmetry plane, a first flank surface, and a second flank surface, thefirst flank surface and the second flank surface forming respectiveopposing sides of the tapered extension between the first connectionface and the second connection face, and tapering toward each other fromthe base to the nose symmetrically about a second symmetry plane that isorthogonal to the first symmetry plane; a first power electrical contactand a first ground electrical contact located along the first connectionface proximate to the first flank surface; a second power electricalcontact and a second ground electrical contact located along the firstconnection face proximate to the second flank surface; a third powerelectrical contact and a third ground electrical contact located alongthe second connection face proximate to the first flank surface; and afourth power electrical contact and a fourth ground electrical contactlocated along the second connection face proximate to the second flanksurface.
 16. The electronic accessory device of claim 15, wherein thefirst connection face includes a first recessed portion between thefirst ground electrical contact and the second ground electricalcontact, and wherein the second connection face includes a secondrecessed portion between the third ground electrical contact and thefourth ground electrical contact.
 17. The electronic accessory device ofclaim 15, wherein the first connection face extends uninterrupted in acontinuous plane between the first ground electrical contact and thesecond ground electrical contact, and wherein the second connection faceextends uninterrupted in a continuous plane between the third groundelectrical contact and the fourth ground electrical contact.
 18. Theelectronic accessory device of claim 15, further comprising a firstsubset of electrical contacts located along the first connection facebetween the first ground electrical contact and the second groundelectrical contact, and a second subset of electrical contacts locatedalong the second connection face between the third ground electricalcontact and the fourth ground electrical contact.
 19. The electronicaccessory device of claim 15, further comprising an electrical groundconductor body contained at least partially within the taperedextension, and electrically connected to the first ground electricalcontact, the second ground electrical contact, the third groundelectrical contact, and the fourth ground electrical contact.
 20. Theelectronic accessory device of claim 19, wherein the electrical groundconductor body incudes a flat conductive plate portion that is parallelto and near the first symmetry plane.